An unknown ancient temple near Mysore - Mahabaleshwar Temple, Chamundi Hills, Near Mysore, India

Mysore, the Palace city of India, is popular not only for its spectacular palace and zoo, but also for Chamundi Hills. Chamundi Hills is located at a distance of around 13 km from Mysore, and it has remained one of the favorite travel destinations in Mysore for many years. A write-up about Mysore tourism is not complete without mentioning Chamundi Hills.

The highlights of Chamundi hills might be the huge Nandi (bull) idol, Chamundeshwari temple, and the giant statue of Mahisasura. However, there is also another destination in Chamundi hills, which most people are unaware of and easily miss out on visiting. That beautiful destination is Mahabaleshwar temple.

The ancient Mahabaleshwar temple is located right next to the famous Chamundeshwari temple. This temple is much older than the Chamundeshwari temple. In fact, this is the original temple of Chamundi hills. In one way, it is good to find not much crowd in this temple; we can calmly enjoy the beauty of this temple. However, it is unfortunate that not even 1% of the public that visit Chamundeshwari temple visit Mahabaleshwar temple.

Mahabaleshwar temple was built in the 8th century CE by the Ganga kings. Later the temple was renovated by the Hoysala kings. The bronze idols found in this temple are believed to be of the Chola period. Thus, this temple of Mahabaleshwar in Chamundi hills was famous in Ganga, Chola, and Hoysala periods. Only during the period of Wodayar king, Chamundeshwari temple got importance, and this temple got unnoticed.

Mahabaleshwar temple is architecturally beautiful. One can feel the blend of Hoysala and Ganga architecture in this temple. The temple's presiding deity is Mahabaleshwar, which is in the form of Shiv linga. It is a Mukha Linga; the face of Shiva is embedded in Linga. Parvati's image is found on the left side of Shiv Linga in the sanctum.

 Nandi is found, as usual, facing towards the sanctum.

It is unusual to find the stone image of Nataraja, which is found here. Two separate icons of Ganesha and Sapta Matrikas are also found in the temple premises. Besides, there is a separate shrine for Nataraja with Sivakami.

Dakshinamurti and Lingodbhava are found as the niche images. Chandikeshwara is found in his usual location. There are 4-5 sub-shrines in the prakara for Shiv Linga in different names.

Don't miss this beautiful ancient temple when you visit the Chamundi hills near Mysore. Mysore tourism remains incomplete without a visit to this temple.

Happy travelling.

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